OFFICE workers in Solihull were furious after being forced to use public toilets for almost a week.

A problem with a blocked drain left toilets in shops and offices along part of the High Street unusable.

Disgruntled staff were forced to trek to Touchwood shopping centre and jostle with thousands of Christmas shoppers to use the loo.

Workers called for action, saying the situation had become unbearable.

"We're getting fed up of having to use the public toilets," said office worker Lynne Daniels, who works at the Solihull News office. "Although Touchwood isn't far, it takes time out of the day. It delays what you are doing and is really inconvenient."

Another worker, who did not wish to be named, said sludge had also risen up from a drain cover behind the shops. She said the toilets broke down a week ago.

One firm, believing it was just their toilet, called in a contractor to try to sort the problem out.

However, when the engineer failed to get the toilet unblocked, staff realised it was a bigger problem and discovered their neighbours were also affected. Toilets at Danes Chartered Surveyors and the Health Food Centre were also affected by the blockage. The land where the blockage occured is owned by Wesleyan Assurance.

Julian Healey, director of property management firm Lambert Smith Hampton, which manages the property on behalf of Wesleyan, said: "We received a call about the problem on the Wednesday and we immediately called out a drain company. They visited the site that day but did not complete the job.

"We were told there was a problem with the drain that needed further investigation and repairs. I fully expect the situation to be resolved by the end of Thursday."

The blockage has now been freed and the toilets were working again for the weekend.